Winter Highlife

Route

Highlights

Best time of year

We hope you’ve got your winter woolies ready, because this winter holiday itinerary is all about getting amongst the epic adventures that winter in New Zealand brings. You’ll get to ski or snowboard at the South Island’s top ski fields, and enjoy adventure spots like Queenstown, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo and Methven.

But this winter playground is not just about the white stuff. Bungy jumping, skydives, canyon swings and jet boat rides are just some of the activities waiting when you need a break from the mountain. At other times, you’ll be ready to just sit down and take in spectacular sights like Lake Tekapo and the best scenery the South Island has on offer.

Queenstown

What better place to start your winter holiday than in Queenstown, “the adventure capital of New Zealand”. It’s a short flight here from Auckland, with a beautiful view of the Remarkables mountain on the way in – take a good look because if the snow’s good, this is one of the two ski fields to visit in Queenstown. Your other choice is Coronet Peak, which offers the awesome experience of skiing at nighttime.

There’s so much to do here in three days, so pack in all the amazing adventures that you want – which could include heli-skiing, paragliding, skydiving, Shotover Jet, luging or guided Snow Shoe Walks. And don’t forget bungy-jumping: AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge bungy was the first in the world.

When you need a break, the Onsen Hot Pools give you one of the most spectacular views over the gorge from their private wooden tubs, especially at sunset. Ferg Burger is a late-night Queenstown classic, and just what you need if you’ve been sampling the best of Queenstown’s bars – of which there are plenty.

Queenstown runs a Winter Festival every year in June, so if you’ve timed your visit well get ready for an explosion of crazy, fun winter activities around town and up the mountains.